Jungian Dream Interpretation

What is Jungian Psychology?

Photo by Satya Byock

Carl Jung (1875-1961) was a pioneer of psychiatry and modern psychology. Trained as a medical doctor in Switzerland, his work with schizophrenic patients led him into an exploration of the stories and images expressed in states of delusion and illness, through the words, physical movements, and art of his patients. As a scholar too of religion and mythology, Jung began to see profound parallels between the expressions of his patients and stories from around the world with which his patients could not possibly have been familiar. It was from these early beginnings that Jung postulated the collective unconscious, an inherited aspect of each human experience.

Jungian Psychology, also known as Analytical Psychology, Complex Psychology, and as part of Depth Psychology, emphasizes the relationship and emerging dialogue between the conscious and the unconscious aspects of psyche. Jung postulated that the conscious mind, typically referred to as the ego gains form gradually through childhood out of the unconscious until it separates from the unconscious and believes itself to be autonomous. The dialogic relationship that can then develop again between the ego and the Self will often begin with a crisis or a trauma, but can lead to a profound, spiritual, and enriching life. A lack of relationship to the unconscious psyche is a common modern phenomenon and leads to loss of energy, disorientation, a variety of mental health and physical health problems. Neurotic expressions in personality are seen, for instance, as spiritual crises seeking renewed relationship with the enriching center of psyche.In addition to Jung’s identification of the Collective Unconscious for modern psychology, he also coined the term Archetype, Synchronicity, and is the originator of all of typology, including Extraversion and Introversion.

Jung’s work and theories have influenced countless artists, philosophers, psychologists, and writers since his time, though his name remains less known.

Memories, Dreams, Reflections, Carl Jung.Considered to be Jung’s memoir, this book provides an insight into Jung’s personal development and the development of his theories, with beautiful explanation of their value for an individual life.